Maximizing Insurance Coverage: How to Get Insurance to Pay for Roof Replacement

Did you know that your homeowner’s insurance policy can help pay for repairing or replacing your damaged roof? Many homeowners understand that wind, hail, or fire damage is recoverable. However, other less obvious threats or unexpected events may still entitle the homeowner to compensation for the repair or replacement of the roof.

What if you need a total roof replacement? Is it difficult to secure one? Many insurance companies require homeowners to follow a cumbersome often complicated process to pursue a roof insurance claim and receive approval. Additionally, if you miss any steps the insurer requires, your claim is less likely to be received favorably.

Let’s explore how to get insurance to pay for a roof replacement.

5 Ways To Get Homeowners Insurance Provider To Pay For A Roof Replacement

How does a homeowner improve their probability of successfully getting insurance to pay for roof replacement or insurance claim? Here are ways to increase your odds:

1. Understand Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

The average policy can be challenging to decipher. Every insurance company approaches coverage differently. Some insurers indemnify the homeowner for a percentage of the costs to repair or replace a roof. Terms and conditions detail the cause and extent of damage that warrant full roof replacement coverage. At this stage, the homeowner should consider involving a knowledgeable roofing company to help understand their policy.

Common Examples Of Covered Events

• Hail
• Wind
• Fire
• Lightning
• Weight of snow and ice
• Falling objects (such as tree limbs)
• Vandalism

Reasons A Claim Could Be Denied

The primary reasons a claim could be rejected are neglect due to the homeowner’s lack of maintenance and upkeep or intentional damage a homeowner caused or could have prevented. Examples include:

• Uncured or cracked caulk or sealant
• Failure to trim overhanging vegetation or tree limbs
• Excessive loss of asphalt shingle granules
• Clogged gutters or downspouts
• Unchecked mildew or mold growth

2. Collect Sufficient Evidence Of Your Roof’s Condition

Prove it. Your insurance company may give you this challenge. You will need to pull together photographs and video recordings. You also should collect physical evidence or, at the very least, preserve the site of the damage. Additionally, you will want to take detailed notes and obtain one or more bids from reputable roofing companies. Remember to document the date and time of the damage. 

3. Obtain A Comprehensive Roof Inspection

Before proceeding with an insurance claim:

1. Secure a thorough roof inspection from a trusted roofing contractor.
2. Request that they perform a complete analysis of your roofing system, not just a surface assessment.
3. Ask them to prepare a full written inspection report detailing the extent of roof damage and their expert opinion of the underlying cause.
4. Include an estimate of the cost of restoring or replacing the roof.

4. Involve A Reputable Local Roofing Company

Avoid Out-Of-Town Storm Chasers & Roofers Who Overpromise Results

After a storm, you may notice a blitz of trucks from Texas, Arizona, Colorado, and other out-of-staters. Stay clear of these outfits. They will say anything to get you to sign with them. However, in your time of need, you don’t want a contractor who is not interested in maintaining an excellent local reputation assisting you on an insurance claim.

Verify That The Roofer Has Extensive Experience Understanding Claims

The roofing industry experiences much turnover. Because of the relatively low barrier to entry, roofing contractors can set up shop one day and leave the business the next. Few roofing companies have become established; even fewer have gained the necessary experience to handle insurance claims expertly.

Don’t Hire The Roofer To Perform Roof Work Until The Claim Is Approved

Many roofing companies attempt to strong-arm homeowners into signing an agreement before the insurance claim is approved. Avoid this situation. Why? If you enter into a contract to perform a roof replacement but don’t receive payment from your submitted claim, you may have a problem.

5. Establish A Steady Line Of Contact With Your Insurer

Have The Roofer Meet With The Insurance Adjuster At Your Home

The insurance adjuster generally represents your insurance provider and analyzes the validity of your claim. Arrange the adjuster’s assessment to include your roofing contractor. Your roofer can ensure the adjuster doesn’t miss any crucial considerations in pursuit of your full roof replacement.

Know That The Insurance Adjuster Is The Only One Who Can Approve A Claim

An insurance adjuster will assess your roof to determine whether the insurer should cover your roof replacement. Although your roofing company may feel confident you’re entitled to a total roof replacement after assessing the situation, the adjuster is the final authority.

Accept The Possibility Of A Prolonged Claim Approval Process

Patience. Homeowners must remember that handling a homeowner’s insurance claim may take longer than expected. If a homeowner is well-prepared at every stage of the process, the chances of an expedited – and successful – outcome may increase substantially. Stay the course, but remain resolute.

Hiring An Expert Roofing Contractor

Homeowners in the Pacific Northwest can depend on S&S Roofing for experienced and qualified guidance in handling roof insurance claims. We know the ins and outs of homeowner’s insurance, including what the provider looks for when considering a full roof replacement.

Contact S&S Roofing today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our residential roofing services. “We Give a Fair Price for a High-Quality Job!”